Stephen A Smith questions if Jaylen Brown being Muslim and ‘social justice activist’ is affecting marketability

Stephen A. Smith is singing high praise of Jaylen Brown while complaining about his marketability.

Stephen A Smith questions if Jaylen Brown being Muslim and ‘social justice activist’ is affecting marketability

Stephen A. Smith again spoke about Jaylen Brown's lack of marketability

Weeks after facing criticism for his remarks about Jaylen Brown, ESPN host Stephen A Smith again discusses the ECF MVP’s marketability concerns. Smith claimed that Brown’s attitude kept him from being marketable, which did not sit well with Brown. However, Smith stated it was not an opinion but a tip from an undisclosed source.

Stephen A. Smith showed nothing but love to Jaylen Brown as he tried his best to defend himself. Smith is now starting the conversations again, as he has started to list Brown’s qualities on ESPN’s First Take. Further, Smith suggested that Brown’s religion and activism contributed to his lack of marketability. 

He's an activist at heart. Politically consciousness... And I think from what I've been told, he's also a Muslim. And I bring all of that up because when we talk about marketability, you think about all of the kinds of things that should say, 'this guy should be every bit as marketable as anybody in the NBA.'
Stephen A Smith via ESPN First Take
YouTube video

Smith called out the political opinions that play a role in the NBA’s marketability. The analyst cited Joe Mazzulla getting asked about ‘two black coaches’ to highlight the country’s biases. Further, Smith claimed that Brown’s social justice contribution is also one of the reasons for the public’s ignorance towards him as the star does not even have a signature shoe deal.

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Brown has certainly remained one of the most important players for the Celtics. His efforts in the playoffs got him the Eastern Conference finals MVP over Jayson Tatum. Smith is right in that sense that Brown deserves more in terms of brand deals and sponsorships.

Jaylen Brown is the frontrunner to win the finals MVP

During his claim, Stephen A Smith added that Tatum made the first All-NBA team when Brown did not even make it. However, the media claims that the duo is on the same level but is not receiving the same treatment. Smith added that Brown might win the finals MVP as well, leaving no choice for his critics.

Despite not making it to an All-NBA team, Brown remains the frontrunner for the finals MVP. As such, he still could have the final laugh. The league updated the finals MVP ladder after the Celtics loss in Game 4. The defeat has not affected Brown’s position, as the star still remains at number one. Tatum is in second place, while Doncic has jumped to number three.

Brown consistency in the postseason might have played a part in his votes. Despite Tatum averaging more, Brown rarely had a poor shooting performance. Brown winning finals MVP over Tatum would certainly change a lot, as Smith claimed.

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